Times of India

A tragic fire in Goa claimed 25 lives. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav criticized government regulations. He stated the accused owners fled to Thailand. Authorities are investigating the expired licenses and the local body's failure to act. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fugitives.

Pondicherry U-19 coach S Venkataraman was severely assaulted by three local cricketers at the CAP training facility after being dropped from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. The attack, which left Venkataraman with a head injury and shoulder fracture, has led to an FIR and an ongoing police investigation against the assailants.

US Embassy India has issued a crucial advisory for visa applicants, warning that attending a previously scheduled appointment after receiving a rescheduling notice will lead to denied entry. This comes as H-1B visa interviews are being postponed due to new social media vetting rules, potentially delaying foreign workers' return to the US for months.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and composer Palash Muchhal have confirmed their wedding is called off. Mandhana returned to training and posted a cryptic message about control. Muchhal expressed anguish over baseless rumors and announced legal action. Both have requested privacy for their families. Mandhana reaffirms her focus on cricket for India's upcoming international season.

Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking the 16th Indian tradition to receive this honor. This recognition occurred during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted by India in New Delhi. The committee is reviewing 67 nominations from 79 countries.

CBSE has introduced new rules for Class 10 Science and Social Science exams. Students must now write answers only in their designated sections. Examiners will not award marks for answers placed in the wrong section, even if correct. Schools are urged to practice this format. This change aims to prevent confusion and mark loss during evaluations.

A thoughtful woman in China has earned widespread praise after using her own scarf to clean up spilled bubble tea on a subway. The heartwarming incident, captured on video, quickly went viral, highlighting her respect for public spaces. In recognition of her considerate act, the subway company reportedly gifted her a new scarf and other presents.

EU countries and lawmakers are set for contentious negotiations over a proposal to ban plant-based foods from using traditional meat labels like "sausage" and "burger." Backed by the European Parliament to protect farmers, the measure aims to reserve meat terminology for animal products, sparking debate over consumer transparency and the plant-based sector's future.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly tore up new MGNREGA norms, accusing the Centre of imposing 'valueless' conditions and withholding funds. She highlighted her state's Karmashree scheme as an alternative, vowing to increase workdays and asserting Bengal's fight for dignity and federal rights amidst upcoming elections.

Amazon has pledged a massive $35 billion investment in India by 2030, building on its existing $40 billion. This significant capital infusion will focus on AI-driven digitization, boosting exports to $80 billion, and creating one million new jobs. The move follows Microsoft's substantial AI investment announcement, signaling a major tech push in the country.

Shubman Gill's recent appointment as T20I vice-captain signals a clear path towards him becoming India's sole captain across all formats. Former selector Salil Ankola revealed Gill's leadership potential was recognised as early as 2023, with consensus among selectors and senior players. Gill's exceptional batting and Test captaincy in England solidified confidence in his readiness to lead.

Goa Police have detained Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, following a deadly fire that claimed 25 lives. Primary owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra fled to Phuket and are being sought via Interpol. Authorities are also pursuing a British national connected to the property. Several other club employees have been arrested as investigations intensify.

Stefon Diggs' heartfelt and humorous comments on Cardi B's Art Basel photos stole the show, overshadowing her new furniture line. His touching "Your love supports me" and playful "Don't expose our jokes" revealed a rare, intimate glimpse into their relationship, turning a fashion post into a viral sensation and sparking widespread fan engagement.

A 28-year-old man was thrashed and paraded after a video showed him feeding chicken momos to a cow during a live stream. Outraged Bajrang Dal members filed an FIR against him for hurting religious sentiments. He was later granted bail.

Newly released bodycam footage captures the moment murder suspect Luigi Mangione was apprehended at a Pennsylvania McDonald's, a year after his initial arrest. Alerted by customers recognizing his distinctive eyebrows, police confronted Mangione, who initially provided a false name.

Over 100 opposition MPs have submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking the removal of Madras High Court Justice GR Swaminathan. They accuse him of misconduct and bias in a recent order concerning a lamp lighting at a temple near a dargah in Tamil Nadu.

Two chicken puff vendors in Kolkata's Esplanade area were assaulted and their food thrown away by a group allegedly for selling non-vegetarian items during a mass Gita recital. The victims filed FIRs, with one incident captured in a viral video. Police are investigating, while political parties exchanged accusations.

A nationwide school survey reveals alarming drug experimentation among Indian children, with initiation as early as 11 and an average age of 12.9. One in seven students has tried psychoactive substances, with opioids and cannabis prevalent. Experts warn of easy access and emotional distress driving this trend, urging early intervention and parental vigilance.

The family home of Goa nightclub owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, implicated in a fatal fire, stands deserted in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar. Neighbours recall the family as religious and good-natured, expressing shock at their alleged flight to Phuket. The brothers' business journey from local boutiques to successful cafes is also detailed.